Which internships matter?

When applying for entry-level investment banking roles at the bulge bracket banks like JPMorgan Chase, how important is the specific type of internship experience? Do these firms primarily value internships explicitly in investment banking, or do they also consider related experience such as corporate finance? How strict are they in expecting prior internships to closely match the actual responsibilities of an investment banking role, and is it generally safer to pursue investment banking internships specifically?

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Obviously, it's best to try to target the specific job function you're looking to do full time, if possible. 

But in absence of that, think about the types of skills needed for the job you want and reverse engineer from there. Think about "If I were writing a resume post-internship and wanted to emphasize the skills and experiences I have that can translate, what would I be able to come up with?" 

A common mistake seen from undergrads is focusing on firm name branding over function and experiences.  For example, if seeking a front office investment banking role and given the choice between a back-office internship at a name brand bank versus something like a front office "valuations and due diligence" role at a smaller accounting or consulting firm, you would want the latter.  That's because the actual day-to-day skills of interacting with front-office coworker teams, interacting with clients, fiddling around with valuation in Excel, communicating that work product in emails, etc. are actually more similar to a front office investment banking role than something in the back office at a bank is. 

Again, try to intern in the job you ultimately want. If you can't, start with the "resume question" of what specific bullet points you'd be able to put on a resume regarding the internship that map with the sorts of skills and experiences recruiters look for in the role you're seeking. 

 

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